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Jackson believes Scotland reaping benefit of back-to-basics approach

Thu, Feb 28, 2013, 00:00

Scotland outhalf Ruaridh Jackson feels going back to basics has been crucial to their improvement in this year’s Six Nations.

Scotland secured consecutive wins in the Six Nations on Sunday for the first time in 12 years when a resolute defensive display, coupled with the perfect kicking of Greig Laidlaw, earned them a 12-8 victory over Ireland.

Interim head coach Scott Johnson was heavily critical of his players’ tackling following their opening defeat by England but they have conceded just 18 points in two games against Italy and the Irish.

Scotland have finished in the bottom two places in the Six Nations for six years in a row but victory over Wales on March 9th would leave them in the running for the title going into the final weekend of action.

Jackson said: “It’s hard to specify an exact thing that has changed. It’s quite crazy to think it has been that long since we won back-to-back games in the Six Nations.

“It shows how frustrating a time it probably has been for Scotland. But Johnno has come in and freshened things up a bit. Guys are enjoying it, there is a bit more relaxed atmosphere around the camp.

“We have really stripped back things and are simplifying. We are targeting a few areas we want to work on and that is our focus.

“It has really narrowed that focus down and it seems to be working. Hopefully we can keep on that uphill rise and hopefully get a third win.”

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